MP Galloway deported from Egypt

George Galloway has been deported from Cairo despite wanting to return to Gaza to help members of a humanitarian convoy who have reportedly been arrested, a spokeswoman for the convoy said.

Plain clothes police officers bundled the Respect MP for Bethnal Green and Bow on to a plane bound for London, said a spokeswoman for the Viva Palestina convoy.

George Galloway has been deported from Egypt in a row over arrested aid workers

“Mr Galloway had been trying to return to Rafah after news broke that seven of the convoy members are said to have been arrested,” she said.

The incident began after Mr Galloway and his colleague, Ron McKay, arrived at the Rafah crossing from Gaza to Egypt.

“As soon as they emerged on to Egyptian soil, both men were forcibly pushed into a van, refused exit and told that they were leaving the country. They were then driven off in a police convoy,” the spokeswoman said.

The aid convoy of 550 people from 17 countries was caught up in violent scenes on Tuesday, which they blamed on “heavy-handed policing” of the group.

The spokeswoman said 55 convoy members were injured and seven were arrested.

She added: “Mr Galloway and Turkish MPs struck a deal with Egyptian authorities, part of which was that the seven detainees were released without charge.

“On the enforced drive to Cairo, news came through of the imminent arrest of the seven but, when Mr Galloway demanded to return to Rafah, permission was repeatedly denied.”

A spokesman for the Foreign Office said: “We will continue to offer consular assistance to anyone who needs it.”